Pronunciation: [stˈɪlbɜːθ] (IPA) 
Stillbirth is spelled with the letters S-T-I-L-L-B-I-R-T-H, with the stress placed on the first syllable. The pronunciation is /ˈstɪl.bɜːθ/, with the initial consonant cluster of "ST" pronounced as /st/ and the vowels pronounced as follows: "I" as /ɪ/, "L" as /l/, "B" as /b/, "R" as /r/, "T" as /t/, and "H" as /θ/. Stillbirth is a tragic event and refers to the birth of a dead baby, occurring after the 24th week of pregnancy.
Stillbirth is a medical term that refers to the tragic event of a baby being born dead. It occurs when a fetus dies in the womb, usually after the midpoint of a woman's pregnancy, resulting in a lifeless birth. The condition is often characterized by the absence of any signs of life, such as the absence of a heartbeat or lack of fetal movement.
Stillbirths are categorized into early stillbirths, which occur between 20 and 27 weeks of gestation, and late stillbirths, which occur after 28 weeks. The causes of stillbirth can vary and may include complications during pregnancy, such as placental abnormalities, umbilical cord complications, or congenital abnormalities in the baby. Maternal health issues like preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, or infections can also contribute to stillbirth.
The emotional impact of stillbirth on the parents and their families can be profound and long-lasting. The grief and sorrow are often compounded by feelings of guilt and loss, as well as the dashed hopes and dreams associated with the arrival of a healthy, living baby. Support from healthcare professionals, counselors, and support groups play an instrumental role in helping families navigate the challenging aftermath of stillbirth.
Efforts to reduce stillbirth rates include diligent prenatal care, education, and awareness campaigns surrounding risk factors and lifestyle choices. Additionally, advancements in medical technology and research are continually being made to improve monitoring techniques and identify potential causes, with the overarching goal of preventing stillbirths and promoting healthier pregnancies and births.
The birth of a dead fetus.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "stillbirth" is derived from two Old English words: "still" meaning motionless or quiet, and "bēorþ" meaning birth. The term first originated in Middle English as "stilbēorþ" in the 14th century, eventually evolving into "stillbirth" as we know it today.
